Minute Maid Retires Frozen Canned Juices After 80 Years

After eight decades, Minute Maid is retiring its frozen canned juice line. The brand, a favorite among consumers since its inception in 1946, is making this significant change to focus on fresh juices, which have seen growing demand.

Minute Maid Frozen Canned Juice Discontinued

On February 4, 2026, The Coca-Cola Company announced that Minute Maid will cease sales of its frozen juice concentrates across the United States and Canada. The decision comes in response to shifting consumer preferences towards fresh beverage options.

A Transition in Beverage Choices

Coca-Cola’s official statement highlighted the need to adapt to modern tastes. “We are discontinuing our frozen products and exiting the frozen can category,” the company explained.

Historical Significance of Minute Maid

• Founded in 1946, Vacuum Foods Corp. initially introduced frozen orange juice to the U.S.
• The company was later renamed Minute Maid, under which the brand achieved great popularity.
• Coca-Cola acquired Minute Maid in 1960, expanding its offerings with new products like ready-to-drink juices in 1973.
• In 1980, Minute Maid diversified its lineup to include lemonade and fruit punch.

Market Challenges and Trends

Despite its historical significance, Minute Maid’s frozen juices have faced several challenges in recent years. The rise of alternative beverages, such as energy drinks and protein smoothies, has overshadowed traditional options like orange juice. Furthermore, fluctuating prices due to adverse weather conditions in major orange-producing regions have increased consumer costs.

As of December 2025, the average price for a 12-ounce can of frozen orange juice reached $4.82, a 13% increase from the previous year, according to U.S. government data. Additionally, growing health concerns regarding added sugars have led to a decline in frozen juice sales.

Future Focus on Fresh Juices

In 2020, Minute Maid attempted to adapt by launching Zero Sugar versions of its fresh juices. However, sales in the frozen juice category continued to decline. Research from NielsenIQ indicated an 8% drop in frozen beverage sales in the year ending January 24, 2026, further emphasizing the need for a strategic shift.

With its frozen canned juices coming to a close by April 2026, Minute Maid’s transition reflects broader trends within the beverage industry, aligning more closely with current consumer preferences.